Now’s the time to restore strength of our Armed Forces

While the Government considers combat missions in Iraq it should also consider the impact it will have on our Armed Services.

They have already faced senseless cuts to both the numbers of personnel, equipment and the numbers of aircraft and ships. We are still committed to protecting our overseas interests and still in Afghanistan despite our reduced resources. The threat and brutality from IS - Islamic State - militants is real, not only to the religious minorities in Iraq, and the region, but to all of us.

It is time our Government realises this and restores the strength of our Armed Forces and provide them with the equipment, ships and aircraft needed to cope with the future threats that face us.